Images(4)

Gallon ale measure

Date1775-1790

OriginEngland

MediumPewter

DimensionsOH: 11 1/2"; Diam (base): 7 15/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1989-366

DescriptionA gallon ale measure of slightly tapered shape with rounded beak spout and bulbous swelled foot. Central bead at waist and loop handle with kick terminal. "Clarke / Fox / Twickenham" engraved in script within a circular wriggle-work reserve on lower face of body opposite handle.
Label TextEngraved "Clarke / Fox / Twickenham" for William Clarke, this gallon measure bears the name of the 1780s licensee of the Twickenham (Greater London), England, public house The Fox. The Fox still stands today and is on Historic England's National Heritage List for England (NHLE).

In size and design the object reminds one of friendly society, or guild flagons, such as the example of about 1760 by William Munden and Edmund Grave of London that is engraved with the coat of arms of the Norwich Worsted Weavers' Company.

A later Norwich friendly society flagon by Geradin & Watson of London, dated 1819, was formerly in the collection of Christopher A. Peal, Norwich. Such flagons have domed covers with tankard thumb pieces. Another unlidded measure, like this one, of about 1780 is engraved "Thomas Chitty / White Hart / Harting."
Inscribed"Clarke / Fox / Twickenham" engraved in script within a circular wriggle-work reserve on lower face of body opposite handle.
MarkingsVerification mark "WR" with royal crown above within a conforming reserve on face of body to left of handle. No touchmark apparent.
ProvenanceVendor: Robin Bellamy Antiques, Witney, Oxfordshire